Meta Quest 3S Xbox VR headset revealed in Microsoft collab

Microsoft has recently partnered with Meta's Quest virtual reality division for their latest hardware initiative. Initially hinted at over a year ago, the company has now officially introduced the new Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition bundle, which includes both Xbox-themed hardware and a Game Pass Ultimate subscription for seamless access to cloud gaming.

Promotional images reveal it features a unique Xbox Carbon Black and Velocity Green color scheme, diverging from the standard white appearance of the regular model.

The upcoming Xbox Edition VR headset is expected to launch with 128GB of storage, an Elite strap, an Xbox controller, and three months of subscriptions to both Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Meta Horizon+. This new headset is designed to enhance the appeal of Xbox Game Pass and Xbox’s cloud gaming offerings. Its Xbox-inspired color scheme marks a departure from Meta’s typical white headset design.

With Microsoft aiming to support alternative storefronts for future Xbox consoles, there's potential for upcoming Xbox consoles to accommodate VR headsets. After all, Steam enables VR support, and Meta’s Quest VR devices can connect to PCs through either wired or wireless methods.

Xbox Cloud Gaming is currently accessible as an application on Meta headsets, granting entry to a vast library of Game Pass Ultimate titles (along with some owned games) via cloud technology. Regrettably, Microsoft does not provide any standalone VR experiences for the device. Aside from its Xbox theme, the headset will operate just like any typical Meta Quest 3S, allowing both standalone and PC-connected functionalities.

This is not a product likely to be available in high quantities. Microsoft has stated that only a "very limited" number of these special edition VR headset bundles will be produced, and that "once they’re sold out, they’re sold out."

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